Liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition

ABSTRACT

The need for a liquid detergent composition comprising alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant which comprises little or no alkoxylation which provides a Newtonian viscosity profile over a larger shear rate range, and where the composition viscosity is less affected by changes in temperature, is met by formulating the liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition that comprises branched alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant with an average degree of alkoxylation of less than 0.5 and with the specific alkyl branching distribution as described herein, in combination with a co-surfactant selected from the group consisting of an amphoteric surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof, in the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the co-surfactant of from 2.0:1 to 8.0:1.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a liquid hand dishwashing cleaningcomposition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hand dishwashing compositions should provide good grease cleaning andsudsing. Moreover, during manual dishwashing, whether first added to asink full of water or added directly to the dish to be washed or to acleaning implement, the user expects a consistent usage and productperformance experience. This includes the viscosity of the product as itdirectly impacts the user dosing experience, e.g. a low viscous productwill flow faster out of the detergent container than a high viscousproduct will. As such, high viscosities are desired. However, highviscosities typically require higher levels of organic solvents or theaddition of structurants. In addition, changes in viscosity, such as dueto temperature changes, or even shear rate changes as the container issqueezed, can give rise to a less consistent dosing experience.Moreover, changes in viscosity can give rise to changes in fillingvolume during packaging of the detergent composition after making.Hence, it is desirable for detergent compositions to have a Newtonianviscosity over as broad a range of shear-rates as possible. At shearrates beyond the Newtonian viscosity plateau, the composition becomestypically more shear thinning.

Hand dishwashing cleaning compositions are typically formulated usingalkyl ether sulfate surfactants as the principal anionic surfactant.However, processes to make such alkyl ether sulfate anionic surfactantsmay result in trace residual amounts of 1,4-dioxane by-product beingpresent. The amount of 1,4-dioxane by-product within alkoxylatedespecially ethoxylated alkyl sulfates can be reduced. Based on recentadvances in technology, a further reduction of 1,4-dioxane by-productcan be achieved by subsequent stripping, distillation, evaporation,centrifugation, microwave irradiation, molecular sieving or catalytic orenzymatic degradation steps. An alternative is to use alkyl sulfateanionic surfactants which comprise only low levels of ethoxylation, oreven being free of ethoxylation. However, formulating with such alkylsulfate anionic surfactants lead to poor low temperature stability andcan even lead to lower starting viscosities.

Moreover, it is known that formulating the composition using an alkylsulfate anionic surfactant having little or no alkoxylation results inimproved grease removal.

As such, there is a need for a liquid detergent composition comprisingalkyl sulfate anionic surfactant which comprises little or noalkoxylation which provides a Newtonian viscosity profile over a largershear rate range, and where the composition viscosity is less affectedby changes in temperature.

EP0466243A1 relates to a process for preparing secondary alkylsulfate-containing surface active compositions substantially free ofunreacted organic matter and water. EP3374486A1 relates to cleaningcompositions with improved sudsing profiles, which contain one or morebranched and unalkoxylated C6-C14 alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants incombination with one or more linear or branched C4-C11 alkyl or arylalkoxylated alcohol nonionic surfactants, such cleaning compositions areparticularly suitable for use in hand-washing fabrics. WO2017079960A1relates to cleaning compositions with improved sudsing profiles, whichcontain the combination of one or more branched, unethoxylated C6-C14alkyl sulfate surfactants with one or more linear, unalkoxylated C6-C18alkyl sulfate surfactants, such cleaning compositions are particularlysuitable for hand-washing dishes or fabrics. WO2009143091A1 relates to alight duty liquid detergent composition that includes a C14-C15 alcoholand alcohol ethoxylate sulfate surfactant blend as an efficient andeffective foaming agent, the surfactant-based product may be a handdishwashing liquid, a liquid skin cleanser or any type of cleaning orcleansing product based on surfactants, the light duty liquid detergentcomposition includes an anionic sulfonate surfactant, an amine oxide, aC14-C15 alcohol sulfate, and a C14-C15 alcohol ethoxylate sulfate.WO2017097913A1 relates to a dishwashing detergent composition, includingan alkyl sulfate having a branched chain, wherein the refractive indexof the dishwashing detergent composition is 0.10 or more to 0.30 orless; the viscosity of the dishwashing detergent composition is 800mPa·s or more to 1800 mPa·s or less; and the dishwashing detergentcomposition includes the alkyl sulfate in a content of 0.1% by mass ormore to 4.0% by mass or less, based on the total amount of thedishwashing detergent composition. US20170137747A relates to cleaningcompositions with improved sudsing profiles, which contain thecombination of one or more branched, unethoxylated C6-C14 alkyl sulphatesurfactants with one or more linear, unalkoxylated C6-C18 alkyl sulfatesurfactants, the cleaning compositions are particularly suitable forhand-washing dishes or fabrics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a liquid hand dishwashing cleaningcomposition comprising from 5% to 50% by weight of the total compositionof a surfactant system, wherein the surfactant system comprises ananionic surfactant and a co-surfactant, wherein the surfactant systemcomprises at least 40% by weight of the surfactant system of anionicsurfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises at least 50% byweight of the anionic surfactant of alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant,wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises branched alkylsulfate anionic surfactant such that the alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant has an average degree of branching of more than 10%, wherein:the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises: at least 90% byweight of the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of C2-branchedalkyl sulfate anionic surfactant and at most 10% by weight of thebranched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of non-C2-branched alkylsulfate anionic surfactant; the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has analkyl chain comprising an average of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms; and thealkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has an average degree of alkoxylationof less than 0.5, wherein the co-surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of an amphoteric surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, andmixtures thereof, and the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to theco-surfactant is from 2.0:1 to 5.0:1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has been found that a liquid hand dishwashing detergent compositionthat comprises branched alkyl sulphate anionic surfactant with anaverage degree of alkoxylation of less than 0.5 and with the specificalkyl branching distribution as described herein, results in acomposition that has a viscosity which is Newtonian over a larger shearrate range, which is also less sensitive to changes in temperature.

Definitions

As used herein, articles such as “a” and “an” when used in a claim, areunderstood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

The term “comprising” as used herein means that steps and ingredientsother than those specifically mentioned can be added. This termencompasses the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”The compositions of the present invention can comprise, consist of, andconsist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of theinvention described herein, as well as any of the additional or optionalingredients, components, steps, or limitations described herein.

The term “dishware” as used herein includes cookware and tableware madefrom, by non-limiting examples, ceramic, china, metal, glass, plastic(e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.) and wood.

The term “grease” or “greasy” as used herein means materials comprisingat least in part (i.e., at least 0.5 wt % by weight of the grease)saturated and unsaturated fats and oils, preferably oils and fatsderived from animal sources such as beef, pig and/or chicken.

The terms “include”, “includes” and “including” are meant to benon-limiting.

The term “particulate soils” as used herein means inorganic andespecially organic, solid soil particles, especially food particles,such as for non-limiting examples: finely divided elemental carbon,baked grease particle, and meat particles.

The term “sudsing profile” as used herein refers to the properties of acleaning composition relating to suds character during the dishwashingprocess. The term “sudsing profile” of a cleaning composition includessuds volume generated upon dissolving and agitation, typically manualagitation, of the cleaning composition in the aqueous washing solution,and the retention of the suds during the dishwashing process.Preferably, hand dishwashing cleaning compositions characterized ashaving “good sudsing profile” tend to have high suds volume and/orsustained suds volume, particularly during a substantial portion of orfor the entire manual dishwashing process. This is important as theconsumer uses high suds as an indicator that sufficient cleaningcomposition has been dosed. Moreover, the consumer also uses thesustained suds volume as an indicator that sufficient active cleaningingredients (e.g., surfactants) are present, even towards the end of thedishwashing process. The consumer usually renews the washing solutionwhen the sudsing subsides. Thus, a low sudsing cleaning composition willtend to be replaced by the consumer more frequently than is necessarybecause of the low sudsing level.

It is understood that the test methods that are disclosed in the TestMethods Section of the present application must be used to determine therespective values of the parameters of Applicants' inventions asdescribed and claimed herein.

In all embodiments of the present invention, all percentages are byweight of the total composition, as evident by the context, unlessspecifically stated otherwise. All ratios are weight ratios, unlessspecifically stated otherwise, and all measurements are made at 25° C.,unless otherwise designated.

Cleaning Composition

The cleaning composition is a hand dishwashing cleaning composition inliquid form. The cleaning composition is preferably an aqueous cleaningcomposition. As such, the composition can comprise from 50% to 85%,preferably from 50% to 75%, by weight of the total composition of water.

Preferably, the pH of the composition is from about 6 to about 14,preferably from about 7 to about 12, or more preferably from about 7.5to about 10, as measured at 10% dilution in distilled water at 20° C.The pH of the composition can be adjusted using pH modifying ingredientsknown in the art.

The composition of the present invention can be Newtonian ornon-Newtonian, preferably Newtonian. Preferably, the composition has aviscosity of from 10 mPa·s to 10,000 mPa·s, preferably from 100 mPa·s to5,000 mPa·s, more preferably from 300 mPa·s to 2,000 mPa·s, or mostpreferably from 500 mPa·s to 1,500 mPa·s, alternatively combinationsthereof. The viscosity is measured at 20° C. with a Brookfield RTViscometer using spindle 31 with the RPM of the viscometer adjusted toachieve a torque of between 40% and 60%.

Surfactant System

The cleaning composition comprises from 5 to 50%, preferably from 8% to45%, more preferably from 15% to 40%, by weight of the total compositionof a surfactant system. The surfactant system comprises an anionicsurfactant and a co-surfactant.

Anionic Surfactant:

For improved sudsing, the surfactant system comprises at least 40%,preferably from 60% to 90%, more preferably from 70 to 80% by weight ofthe surfactant system of the anionic surfactant. The anionic surfactantcomprises at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably atleast 90% by weight of the anionic surfactant of alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant. Most preferably, the anionic surfactant consists of alkylsulfate surfactant, most preferably primary alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant. As such, while the surfactant system may comprise smallamounts of further anionic surfactant, including sulfonates such asHLAS, or sulfosuccinate anionic surfactants, the surfactant systempreferably comprises no further anionic surfactant beyond the alkylsulfate anionic surfactant.

The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has an alkyl chain comprising anaverage of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably from 10 to 14 carbonatoms, more preferably from 12 to 13 carbon atoms.

The alkyl chain of the alkyl sulfated anionic surfactant preferably hasa mol fraction of C12 and C13 chains of at least 50%, preferably atleast 65%, more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%.Suds mileage is particularly improved, especially in the presence ofgreasy soils, when the C13/C12 mol ratio of the alkyl chain is at least50/50, preferably from 60/40 to 80/20, most preferably from 60/40 to70/30, while not compromising suds mileage in the presence ofparticulate soils.

The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises branched alkyl sulfateanionic surfactant such that the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has anaverage degree of branching of more than 10%, preferably from 15% to50%, more preferably from 20% to 40%. As such, the alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant can comprise a mixture of linear and branched alkyl sulfateanionic surfactant.

The weight average degree of branching for an anionic surfactant mixturecan be calculated using the following formula:

The level of branching in the branched alkyl sulfate or alkyl alkoxysulfate used in the detergent composition is calculated on a molecularbasis. Commercially available alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant blendsthat are sold as “branched” will typically comprise a blend of linearalkyl sulfate as well as branched alkyl sulfate molecules. Commerciallyavailable alkyl alkoxy sulfate anionic surfactant blends that are soldas “branched” will typically comprise a blend of linear alkyl sulfatebranched alkyl sulfate, as well as linear alkyl alkoxy sulfate branchedalkyl alkoxy sulfate molecules. The actual calculation of the degree ofbranching is done based on the starting alcohol (and alkoxylatedalcohols for alkyl alkoxy sulfate blends), rather than on the finalsulfated materials, as explained in the weight average degree ofbranching calculation below:

Weight average degree of branching (%)=[(x1*wt % branched alcohol 1 inalcohol 1+x2*wt % branched alcohol 2 in alcohol 2+ . . . )/(x1+x2+ . . .)]*100

wherein x1, x2, . . . are the weight in grams of each alcohol in thetotal alcohol mixture of the alcohols which were used as startingmaterial before (alkoxylation and) sulphation to produce the alkyl(alkoxy) sulfate anionic surfactant. In the weight average degree ofbranching calculation, the weight of the alkyl alcohol used to form thealkyl sulfate anionic surfactant which is not branched is included.

The weight average degree of branching and the distribution of branchingcan typically be obtained from the technical data sheet for thesurfactant or constituent alkyl alcohol. Alternatively, the branchingcan also be determined through analytical methods known in the art,including capillary gas chromatography with flame ionisation detectionon medium polar capillary column, using hexane as the solvent. Theweight average degree of branching and the distribution of branching isbased on the starting alcohol used to produce the alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant.

The branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises C2-branchedalkyl sulfate anionic surfactant and optionally non-C2-branched alkylsulfate anionic surfactant. The branched alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant comprises at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, morepreferably at least 98% by weight of the branched alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant of C2-branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant and at most10%, preferably at most 5%, most preferably at most 2% by weight of thebranched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of non-C2 branched alkylsulfate anionic surfactant.

C2-branched means the alkyl branching is a single alkyl branching on thealkyl chain of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant and is positioned onthe C2 position, as measured counting carbon atoms from the sulfategroup for non-alkoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants, or countingfrom the alkoxy-group furthest from the sulfate group for alkoxylatedalkyl sulfate anionic surfactants.

Non-C2 branching means the alkyl chain comprises branching at multiplecarbon positions along the alkyl chain backbone, or a single branchinggroup present on a branching position on the alkyl chain other than theC2 position.

The non-C2 branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant can comprise lessthan 30%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10% byweight of the non-C2 branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant ofC1-branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, most preferably the non-C2branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is free of C1-branched alkylsulfate anionic surfactant.

The non-C2 branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant can comprise atleast 50%, preferably from 60 to 90%, more preferably from 70 to 80% byweight of the non-C2 branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant ofisomers comprising a single branching at a branching position greaterthan the 2-position. That is, more than 2 carbons atoms away from thehydrophilic headgroup, as defined above. The non-C2 branched alkylsulfate anionic surfactant can comprise from 5% to 30%, preferably from7% to 20%, more preferably from 10% to 15% by weight of the non-C2branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of multi branched isomers. Thenon-C2 branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant can comprise from 5% to30%, preferably from 7% to 20%, more preferably from 10% to 15% byweight of non-C2 branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of cyclicisomers. If present, the acyclic branching groups can be selected fromC1 to C5 alkyl groups, and mixtures thereof.

It has been found that formulating the compositions using alkyl sulfateanionic surfactants having the aforementioned branching distribution andreduced to nil ethoxylation results in reduced viscosensitivity tovariations in temperature and, as such, a more consistent dosageexperience, compared to compositions comprising alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactants with a comparative branching distribution. Moreover, thecomposition maintains a Newtonian viscosity profile for higher shearrates, which means less dosage variation and a more consistent userexperience, regardless of how hard the container is squeezed.

Moreover, because of the increased branching relative to fully linearsurfactant systems, such compositions require less solvent in order toachieve good physical stability at low temperatures. As such, thecompositions can comprise lower levels of organic solvent, of less than5.0% by weight of the cleaning composition of organic solvent, whilestill having good low temperature stability. Higher surfactant branchingalso provides faster initial suds generation. The weight averagebranching, described herein, has been found to improve low temperaturestability and initial foam generation relative to fully linearsurfactant systems.

The alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has an average degree ofalkoxylation of less than 0.5, preferably less than 0.25, morepreferably less than 0.1, and most preferably, the alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant is free of alkoxylation. As such, the alkyl sulfatesurfactant comprises less than 10% preferably less than 5% by weight ofthe alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of an alkoxylated alkyl sulfatesurfactant, more preferably wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactantis free of an alkoxylated alkyl sulfate surfactant. If alkoxylated, thealkyl sulfated anionic surfactant is preferably ethoxylated.

The average degree of alkoxylation is the mol average degree ofalkoxylation (i.e., mol average alkoxylation degree) of all the alkylsulfate anionic surfactant. Hence, when calculating the mol averagealkoxylation degree, the mols of non-alkoxylated sulfate anionicsurfactant are included:

Mol average alkoxylation degree=(x1*alkoxylation degree of surfactant1+x2*alkoxylation degree of surfactant 2+ . . . )/(x1+x2+ . . . )

wherein x1, x2, . . . are the number of moles of each alkyl (or alkoxy)sulfate anionic surfactant of the mixture and alkoxylation degree is thenumber of alkoxy groups in each alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.

Suitable counterions for the anionic surfactant include alkali metalcation earth alkali metal cation, alkanolammonium or ammonium orsubstituted ammonium, but preferably sodium.

Suitable examples of commercially available alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactants include, those derived from alcohols sold under the Neodol®brand-name by Shell, or the Lial®, Isalchem®, and Safol® brand-names bySasol, or some of the natural alcohols produced by The Procter & GambleChemicals company. The alcohols can be blended in order to achieve thedesired average alkyl chain, average degree of branching and type ofbranching distribution according to the invention. Considering thetargeted branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant according to theinvention has a high dominance of C2 branched alkyl sulfate content,preferably the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises an OXO derivedalkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, such as commercially available underthe lial and isalchem brandname from the Sasol company, and Neodol fromthe Shell company, OXO derived alkyl sulfate anionic surfactantscomprising branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant consistingessentially of C2 branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant. OXOalcohols are alcohols that are prepared by adding carbon monoxide (CO)and hydrogen (usually combined together as synthesis gas) to an olefinto obtain an aldehyde using the hydroformylation reaction and thenhydrogenating the aldehyde to obtain the alcohol. More preferably thealkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises at least 30%, preferably from40% to 95%, more preferably from 50% to 85% by weight of alkyl sulfateanionic surfactant of an OXO derived alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.Alternative processes yielding alkyl sulfate anionic surfactantscomprising branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant with high dominanceof C2 branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant are also consideredsuitable for the invention. An example of such an alternative process isdescribed in U.S. applications 63/035,125 and 63/035131, As such thealkyl sulfate anionic surfactant then comprises at least 30%, preferablyfrom 40% to 95%, more preferably from 50% to 85% by weight of alkylsulfate anionic surfactant of this alternative process derived alkylsulfate anionic surfactant, or of a mixture of OXO derived and thisalternative process derived alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.

If ethoxylated alkyl sulfate is present, without wishing to be bound bytheory, through tight control of processing conditions and feedstockmaterial compositions, both during alkoxylation especially ethoxylationand sulfation steps, the amount of 1,4-dioxane by-product withinalkoxylated especially ethoxylated alkyl sulfates can be reduced. Basedon recent advances in technology, a further reduction of 1,4-dioxaneby-product can be achieved by subsequent stripping, distillation,evaporation, centrifugation, microwave irradiation, molecular sieving orcatalytic or enzymatic degradation steps. Processes to control1,4-dioxane content within alkoxylated/ethoxylated alkyl sulfates havebeen described extensively in the art. Alternatively 1,4-dioxane levelcontrol within detergent formulations has also been described in the artthrough addition of 1,4-dioxane inhibitors to 1,4-dioxane comprisingformulations, such as5,6-dihydro-3-(4-morpholinyl)-1-[4-(2-oxo-1-piperidinyl)-phenyl]-2-(1-H)-pyridone,3-α-hydroxy-7-oxo stereoisomer-mixtures of cholinic acid, 3-(N-methylamino)-L-alanine, and mixtures thereof.

Co-Surfactant

In order to improve surfactant packing after dilution and hence improvesuds mileage, the surfactant system comprises a co-surfactant inaddition to the anionic surfactant.

The co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of an amphotericsurfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof. Theco-surfactant is preferably an amphoteric surfactant, more preferably anamine oxide surfactant.

The weight ratio of anionic surfactant to the co-surfactant is from2.0:1 to 5.0:1, more preferably from 2.5:1 to 4.0:1, in order to provideimproved grease cleaning, sudsing and viscosity build.

The surfactant system can comprise from 0.1% to 20%, preferably from0.5% to 15%, more preferably from 2% to 10% by weight of the cleaningcomposition of the co-surfactant. The surfactant system of the cleaningcomposition of the present invention can comprise from 10% to 40%,preferably from 15% to 35%, more preferably from 20% to 30%, by weightof the surfactant system of the co-surfactant.

The amine oxide surfactant can be linear or branched, though linear arepreferred. Suitable linear amine oxides are typically water-soluble, andcharacterized by the formula R1-N(R2)(R3) O wherein R1 is a C8-18 alkyl,and the R2 and R3 moieties are selected from the group consisting ofC1-3 alkyl groups, C1-3 hydroxyalkyl groups, and mixtures thereof. Forinstance, R2 and R3 can be selected from the group consisting of:methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, 2-hydroxethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl and3-hydroxypropyl, and mixtures thereof, though methyl is preferred forone or both of R2 and R3. The linear amine oxide surfactants inparticular may include linear C10-C18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides andlinear C8-C12 alkoxy ethyl dihydroxy ethyl amine oxides.

Preferably, the amine oxide surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of: alkyl dimethyl amine oxide, alkyl amido propyl dimethylamine oxide, and mixtures thereof. Alkyl dimethyl amine oxides arepreferred, such as C8-18 alkyl dimethyl amine oxides, or C10-16 alkyldimethyl amine oxides (such as coco dimethyl amine oxide). Suitablealkyl dimethyl amine oxides include C10 alkyl dimethyl amine oxidesurfactant, C10-12 alkyl dimethyl amine oxide surfactant, C12-C14 alkyldimethyl amine oxide surfactant, and mixtures thereof. C12-C14 alkyldimethyl amine oxide are particularly preferred. Preferably, the alkylchain of the alkyl dimethyl amine oxide is a linear alkyl chain,preferably a C12-C14 alkyl chain, more preferably a C12-C14 alkyl chainderived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.

Alternative suitable amine oxide surfactants include mid-branched amineoxide surfactants. As used herein, “mid-branched” means that the amineoxide has one alkyl moiety having n1 carbon atoms with one alkyl branchon the alkyl moiety having n2 carbon atoms. The alkyl branch is locatedon the a carbon from the nitrogen on the alkyl moiety. This type ofbranching for the amine oxide is also known in the art as an internalamine oxide. The total sum of n1 and n2 can be from 10 to 24 carbonatoms, preferably from 12 to 20, and more preferably from 10 to 16. Thenumber of carbon atoms for the one alkyl moiety (n1) is preferably thesame or similar to the number of carbon atoms as the one alkyl branch(n2) such that the one alkyl moiety and the one alkyl branch aresymmetric. As used herein “symmetric” means that |n1−n2| is less than orequal to 5, preferably 4, most preferably from 0 to 4 carbon atoms in atleast 50 wt %, more preferably at least 75 wt % to 100 wt % of themid-branched amine oxides for use herein. The amine oxide furthercomprises two moieties, independently selected from a C1-3 alkyl, a C1-3hydroxyalkyl group, or a polyethylene oxide group containing an averageof from 1 to 3 ethylene oxide groups. Preferably, the two moieties areselected from a C1-3 alkyl, more preferably both are selected as C1alkyl.

Alternatively, the amine oxide surfactant can be a mixture of amineoxides comprising a mixture of low-cut amine oxide and mid-cut amineoxide. The amine oxide of the composition of the invention can thencomprises:

-   -   a) from 10% to 45% by weight of the amine oxide of low-cut amine        oxide of formula R1R2R3AO wherein R1 and R2 are independently        selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyls or mixtures thereof, and R3        is selected from C10 alkyls and mixtures thereof; and    -   b) from 55% to 90% by weight of the amine oxide of mid-cut amine        oxide of formula R4R5R6AO wherein R4 and R5 are independently        selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyls or mixtures thereof, and R6        is selected from C12-C16 alkyls or mixtures thereof

In a preferred low-cut amine oxide for use herein R3 is n-decyl, withpreferably both R1 and R2 being methyl. In the mid-cut amine oxide offormula R4R5R6AO, R4 and R5 are preferably both methyl.

Preferably, the amine oxide comprises less than 5%, more preferably lessthan 3%, by weight of the amine oxide of an amine oxide of formulaR7R8R9AO wherein R7 and R8 are selected from hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyls andmixtures thereof and wherein R9 is selected from C8 alkyls and mixturesthereof. Limiting the amount of amine oxides of formula R7R8R9AOimproves both physical stability and suds mileage.

Suitable zwitterionic surfactants include betaine surfactants. Suchbetaine surfactants includes alkyl betaines, alkylamidobetaine,amidazoliniumbetaine, sulphobetaine (INCI Sultaines) as well as thePhosphobetaine, and preferably meets formula (I):

R¹—[CO—X(CH₂)_(n)]_(x)—N⁺(R²)(R₃)—(CH₂)_(m)—[CH(OH)—CH₂]_(y)—Y⁻

wherein in formula (I),

R1 is selected from the group consisting of: a saturated or unsaturatedC6-22 alkyl residue, preferably C8-18 alkyl residue, more preferably asaturated C10-16 alkyl residue, most preferably a saturated C12-14 alkylresidue;

X is selected from the group consisting of: NH, NR4 wherein R4 is a C1-4alkyl residue, O, and S,

n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably 2 to 5, more preferably 3,

x is 0 or 1, preferably 1,

R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of: aC1-4 alkyl residue, hydroxy substituted such as a hydroxyethyl, andmixtures thereof, preferably both R2 and R3 are methyl,

m is an integer from 1 to 4, preferably 1, 2 or 3,

y is 0 or 1, and

Y is selected from the group consisting of: COO, SO3, OPO(OR5)O orP(O)(OR5)O, wherein R5 is H or a C1-4 alkyl residue.

Preferred betaines are the alkyl betaines of formula (IIa), the alkylamido propyl betaine of formula (IIb), the sulphobetaines of formula(IIc) and the amido sulphobetaine of formula (IId):

R¹—N⁺(CH₃)₂—CH₂COO⁻  (IIa)

R¹—CO—NH—(CH₂)₃—N⁺(CH₃)₂—CH₂COO⁻  (IIb)

R¹—N⁺(CH₃)₂—CH₂CH(OH)CH₂SO₃ ⁻  (IIc)

R¹—CO—NH—(CH₂)₃—N⁺(CH₃)₂—CH₂CH(OH)CH₂SO₃ ⁻  (IId)

in which R1 has the same meaning as in formula (I). Particularlypreferred are the carbobetaines [i.e. wherein Y⁻═COO— in formula (I)] offormulae (IIa) and (IIb), more preferred are the alkylamidobetaine offormula (IIb).

Suitable betaines can be selected from the group consisting or[designated in accordance with INCI]: capryl/capramidopropyl betaine,cetyl betaine, cetyl amidopropyl betaine, cocamidoethyl betaine,cocamidopropyl betaine, cocobetaines, decyl betaine, decyl amidopropylbetaine, hydrogenated tallow betaine/amidopropyl betaine,isostearamidopropyl betaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine,myristyl amidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, oleamidopropyl betaine,oleyl betaine, palmamidopropyl betaine, palmitamidopropyl betaine,palm-kernelamidopropyl betaine, stearamidopropyl betaine, stearylbetaine, tallowamidopropyl betaine, tallow betaine, undecylenamidopropylbetaine, undecyl betaine, and mixtures thereof. Preferred betaines areselected from the group consisting of: cocamidopropyl betaine,cocobetaines, lauramidopropyl betaine, lauryl betaine, myristylamidopropyl betaine, myristyl betaine, and mixtures thereof.Cocamidopropyl betaine is particularly preferred.

Nonionic Surfactant

The composition can comprise a nonionic surfactant. The nonionicsurfactant is preferably selected from the group consisting of:alkoxylated alkyl alcohol, alkyl polyglucoside, and mixtures thereof,more preferably the nonionic surfactant is selected from alkoxylatedalkyl alcohols, most preferably ethoxylated alcohols.

The surfactant system can comprise the nonionic surfactant at a level offrom 1% to 25%, preferably from 1.25% to 15%, more preferably from 1.5%to 10%, by weight of the surfactant system.

Suitable alkoxylated non-ionic surfactants can be linear or branched,primary or secondary alkyl alkoxylated non-ionic surfactants. Thealkoxylated nonionic surfactant can comprise on average of from 8 to 18,preferably from 9 to 15, more preferably from 10 to 14 carbon atoms inits alkyl chain.

Alkyl ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant are preferred. Suitable alkylethoxylated non-ionic surfactants can comprise an average of from 5 to12, preferably from 6 to 10, more preferably from 7 to 8, units ofethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Such alkyl ethoxylated nonionicsurfactants can be derived from synthetic alcohols, such as OXO-alcoholsand Fisher Tropsh alcohols, or from naturally derived alcohols, or frommixtures thereof. Suitable examples of commercially available alkylethoxylate nonionic surfactants include, those derived from syntheticalcohols sold under the Neodol® brand-name by Shell, or the Lial®,Isalchem®, and Safol® brand-names by Sasol, or some of the naturalalcohols produced by The Procter & Gamble Chemicals company.

The surfactant system can comprise an alkyl polyglucoside nonionicsurfactant. Alkyl polyglucoside nonionic surfactants are typically moresudsing than other nonionic surfactants such as alkyl ethoxlatedalcohols, especially in the presence of particulate soils.

A combination of alkylpolyglucoside and alkyl sulfate anionic surfactanthas been found to improve polymerized grease removal, suds mileageperformance, reduced viscosity variation with changes in the surfactantand/or the surfactant system, and a more sustained Newtonian rheologyacross a wider surfactant active level range.

The alkyl polyglucoside surfactant can be selected from C6-C18 alkylpolyglucoside surfactant. The alkyl polyglucoside surfactant can have anumber average degree of polymerization of from 0.1 to 3.0, preferablyfrom 1.0 to 2.0, more preferably from 1.2 to 1.6. The alkylpolyglucoside surfactant can comprise a blend of short chain alkylpolyglucoside surfactant having an alkyl chain comprising 10 carbonatoms or less, and mid to long chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactanthaving an alkyl chain comprising greater than 10 carbon atoms to 18carbon atoms, preferably from 12 to 14 carbon atoms.

Short chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactants have a monomodal chainlength distribution between C8-C10, mid to long chain alkylpolyglucoside surfactants have a monomodal chain length distributionbetween C10-C18, while mid chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactants have amonomodal chain length distribution between C12-C14. In contrast, C8 toC18 alkylpolyglucoside surfactants typically have a monomodaldistribution of alkyl chains between C8 and C18, as with C8 to C16 andthe like. As such, a combination of short chain alkyl polyglucosidesurfactants with mid to long chain or mid chain alkyl polyglucosidesurfactants have a broader distribution of chain lengths, or even abimodal distribution, than non-blended C8 to C18 alkyl polyglucosidesurfactants. Preferably, the weight ratio of short chain alkylpolyglucoside surfactant to long chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactant isfrom 1:1 to 10:1, preferably from 1.5:1 to 5:1, more preferably from 2:1to 4:1. It has been found that a blend of such short chain alkylpolyglucoside surfactant and long chain alkyl polyglucoside surfactantresults in faster dissolution of the detergent solution in water andimproved initial sudsing, in combination with improved suds stability.

The anionic surfactant and alkyl polyglucoside surfactant can be presentat a weight ratio of from greater than 1:1 to 10:1, preferably from1.5:1 to 5:1, more preferably from 2:1 to 4:1

C8-C16 alkyl polyglucosides are commercially available from severalsuppliers (e.g., Simusol® surfactants from Seppic Corporation; andGlucopon® 600 CSUP, Glucopon® 650 EC, Glucopon® 600 CSUP/MB, andGlucopon® 650 EC/MB, from BASF Corporation). Glucopon® 215UP is apreferred short chain APG surfactant. Glucopon® 600CSUP is a preferredmid to long chain APG surfactant.

Further Ingredients:

The composition can comprise further ingredients such as those selectedfrom: amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimines, cyclic polyamines,triblock copolymers, salts, hydrotropes, organic solvents, other adjunctingredients such as those described herein, and mixtures thereof.

Amphiphilic Alkoxylated Polyalkyleneimine:

The composition of the present invention may further comprise from 0.05%to 2%, preferably from 0.07% to 1% by weight of the total composition ofan amphiphilic polymer. Suitable amphiphilic polymers can be selectedfrom the group consisting of: amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneimineand mixtures thereof. The amphiphilic alkoxylated polyalkyleneiminepolymer has been found to reduce gel formation on the hard surfaces tobe cleaned when the liquid composition is added directly to a cleaningimplement (such as a sponge) before cleaning and consequently brought incontact with heavily greased surfaces, especially when the cleaningimplement comprises a low amount to nil water such as when lightpre-wetted sponges are used.

A preferred amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer has thegeneral structure of formula (I):

wherein the polyethyleneimine backbone has a weight average molecularweight of 600, n of formula (I) has an average of 10, m of formula (I)has an average of 7 and R of formula (I) is selected from hydrogen, aC₁-C₄ alkyl and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen. The degree ofpermanent quaternization of formula (I) may be from 0% to 22% of thepolyethyleneimine backbone nitrogen atoms. The molecular weight of thisamphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymer preferably is between10,000 and 15,000 Da.

More preferably, the amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymerhas the general structure of formula (I) but wherein thepolyethyleneimine backbone has a weight average molecular weight of 600Da, n of Formula (I) has an average of 24, m of Formula (I) has anaverage of 16 and R of Formula (I) is selected from hydrogen, a C₁-C₄alkyl and mixtures thereof, preferably hydrogen. The degree of permanentquaternization of Formula (I) may be from 0% to 22% of thepolyethyleneimine backbone nitrogen atoms and is preferably 0%. Themolecular weight of this amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneiminepolymer preferably is between 25,000 and 30,000, most preferably 28,000Da.

The amphiphilic alkoxylated polyethyleneimine polymers can be made bythe methods described in more detail in PCT Publication No. WO2007/135645.

Cyclic Polyamine

The composition can comprise a cyclic polyamine having aminefunctionalities that helps cleaning. The composition of the inventionpreferably comprises from 0.1% to 3%, more preferably from 0.2% to 2%,and especially from 0.5% to 1%, by weight of the composition, of thecyclic polyamine.

The cyclic polyamine has at least two primary amine functionalities. Theprimary amines can be in any position in the cyclic amine but it hasbeen found that in terms of grease cleaning, better performance isobtained when the primary amines are in positions 1,3. It has also beenfound that cyclic amines in which one of the substituents is —CH3 andthe rest are H provided for improved grease cleaning performance.

Accordingly, the most preferred cyclic polyamine for use with thecleaning composition of the present invention are cyclic polyamineselected from the group consisting of: 2-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine,4-methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine and mixtures thereof. These specificcyclic polyamines work to improve suds and grease cleaning profilethrough-out the dishwashing process when formulated together with thesurfactant system of the composition of the present invention.

Suitable cyclic polyamines can be supplied by BASF, under the Baxxodurtradename, with Baxxodur ECX-210 being particularly preferred.

A combination of the cyclic polyamine and magnesium sulphate isparticularly preferred. As such, the composition can further comprisemagnesium sulphate at a level of from 0.001% to 2.0%, preferably from0.005% to 1.0%, more preferably from 0.01% to 0.5% by weight of thecomposition.

Triblock Co-Polymer

The composition of the invention can comprise a triblock copolymer. Thetriblock co-polymers can be present at a level of from 0.1% to 10%,preferably from 0.5% to 7.5%, more preferably from 1% to 5%, by weightof the total composition. Suitable triblock copolymers include alkyleneoxide triblock co-polymers, defined as a triblock co-polymer havingalkylene oxide moieties according to Formula (I): (EO)x(PO)y(EO)x,wherein EO represents ethylene oxide, and each x represents the numberof EO units within the EO block. Each x can independently be on averageof from 5 to 50, preferably from 10 to 40, more preferably from 10 to30. Preferably x is the same for both EO blocks, wherein the “same”means that the x between the two EO blocks varies within a maximum 2units, preferably within a maximum of 1 unit, more preferably both x'sare the same number of units. PO represents propylene oxide, and yrepresents the number of PO units in the PO block. Each y can on averagebe from between 28 to 60, preferably from 30 to 55, more preferably from30 to 48.

Preferably the triblock co-polymer has a ratio of y to each x of from3:1 to 2:1. The triblock co-polymer preferably has a ratio of y to theaverage x of 2 EO blocks of from 3:1 to 2:1. Preferably the triblockco-polymer has an average weight percentage of total EO of between 30%and 50% by weight of the tri-block co-polymer. Preferably the triblockco-polymer has an average weight percentage of total PO of between 50%and 70% by weight of the triblock co-polymer. It is understood that theaverage total weight % of EO and PO for the triblock co-polymer adds upto 100%. The triblock co-polymer can have an average molecular weight ofbetween 2060 and 7880, preferably between 2620 and 6710, more preferablybetween 2620 and 5430, most preferably between 2800 and 4700. Averagemolecular weight is determined using a 1H NMR spectroscopy (see Thermoscientific application note No. AN52907).

Triblock co-polymers have the basic structure ABA, wherein A and B aredifferent homopolymeric and/or monomeric units. In this case A isethylene oxide (EO) and B is propylene oxide (PO). Those skilled in theart will recognize the phrase “block copolymers” is synonymous with thisdefinition of “block polymers”.

Triblock co-polymers according to Formula (I) with the specific EO/PO/EOarrangement and respective homopolymeric lengths have been found toenhances suds mileage performance of the liquid hand dishwashingdetergent composition in the presence of greasy soils and/or sudsconsistency throughout dilution in the wash process.

Suitable EO-PO-EO triblock co-polymers are commercially available fromBASF such as Pluronic® PE series, and from the Dow Chemical Company suchas Tergitol™ L series. Particularly preferred triblock co-polymer fromBASF are sold under the tradenames Pluronic® PE6400 (MW ca 2900, ca 40wt % EO) and Pluronic® PE 9400 (MW ca 4600, 40 wt % EO).

Particularly preferred triblock co-polymer from the Dow Chemical Companyis sold under the tradename Tergitol™ L64 (MW ca 2700, ca 40 wt % EO).

Preferred triblock co-polymers are readily biodegradable under aerobicconditions.

The composition of the present invention may further comprise at leastone active selected from the group consisting of: salt, hydrotrope,organic solvent, and mixtures thereof.

Salt:

The composition of the present invention may comprise from 0.05% to 2%,preferably from 0.1% to 1.5%, or more preferably from 0.5% to 1%, byweight of the total composition of a salt, preferably a monovalent ordivalent inorganic salt, or a mixture thereof, more preferably selectedfrom: sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, and mixtures thereof. Sodiumchloride is most preferred.

Hydrotrope:

The composition of the present invention may comprise from 0.1% to 10%,or preferably from 0.5% to 10%, or more preferably from 1% to 10% byweight of the total composition of a hydrotrope or a mixture thereof,preferably sodium cumene sulfonate.

Organic Solvent:

The composition can comprise from 0.1% to 10%, or preferably from 0.5%to 10%, or more preferably from 1% to 10% by weight of the totalcomposition of an organic solvent. Suitable organic solvents includeorganic solvents selected from the group consisting of: alcohols,glycols, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof, preferably alcohols,glycols, and mixtures thereof. Ethanol is the preferred alcohol.Polyalkyleneglycols, especially polypropyleneglycol (PPG), are thepreferred glycol. The polypropyleneglycol can have a molecular weight offrom 400 to 3000, preferably from 600 to 1500, more preferably from 700to 1300. The polypropyleneglycol is preferably poly-1,2-propyleneglycol.

Adjunct Ingredients

The cleaning composition may optionally comprise a number of otheradjunct ingredients such as builders (preferably citrate), chelants,conditioning polymers, other cleaning polymers, surface modifyingpolymers, structurants, emollients, humectants, skin rejuvenatingactives, enzymes, carboxylic acids, scrubbing particles, perfumes,malodor control agents, pigments, dyes, opacifiers, pearlescentparticles, inorganic cations such as alkaline earth metals such asCa/Mg-ions, antibacterial agents, preservatives, viscosity adjusters(e.g., salt such as NaCl, and other mono-, di- and trivalent salts) andpH adjusters and buffering means (e.g. carboxylic acids such as citricacid, HCl, NaOH, KOH, alkanolamines, carbonates such as sodiumcarbonates, bicarbonates, sesquicarbonates, and alike).

Method of Washing

The compositions of the present invention can be used in methods ofmanually washing dishware. Suitable methods can include the steps ofdelivering a composition of the present invention to a volume of waterto form a wash solution and immersing the dishware in the solution. Thedishware is cleaned with the composition in the presence of water.

Typically from 0.5 mL to 20 mL, preferably from 3 mL to 10 mL of thedetergent composition, preferably in liquid form, can be added to thewater to form the wash liquor. The actual amount of detergentcomposition used will be based on the judgment of the user, and willtypically depend upon factors such as the particular product formulationof the detergent composition, including the concentration of activeingredients in the detergent composition, the number of soiled dishes tobe cleaned, the degree of soiling on the dishes, and the like.

The detergent composition can be combined with from 2.0 L to 20 L,typically from 5.0 L to 15 L of water to form a wash liquor, such as ina sink. The soiled dishware is immersed in the wash liquor obtained,before scrubbing the soiled surface of the dishware with a cloth,sponge, or similar cleaning implement. The cloth, sponge, or similarcleaning implement is typically contacted with the dishware for a periodof time ranged from 1 to 10 seconds, although the actual time will varywith each application and user preferences.

Optionally, the dishware can be subsequently rinsed. By “rinsing”, it ismeant herein contacting the dishware cleaned with the process accordingto the present invention with substantial quantities water. By“substantial quantities”, it is meant usually from 1.0 to 20 L, or underrunning water.

Alternatively, the composition herein can be applied in its neat form tothe dishware to be treated. By “in its neat form”, it is meant hereinthat said composition is applied directly onto the surface to betreated, or onto a cleaning device or implement such as a brush, asponge, a nonwoven material, or a woven material, without undergoing anysignificant dilution by the user (immediately) prior to application. “Inits neat form”, also includes slight dilutions, for instance, arisingfrom the presence of water on the cleaning device, or the addition ofwater by the consumer to remove the remaining quantities of thecomposition from a bottle. Therefore, the composition in its neat formincludes mixtures having the composition and water at ratios rangingfrom 50:50 to 100:0, preferably 70:30 to 100:0, more preferably 80:20 to100:0, even more preferably 90:10 to 100:0 depending on the user habitsand the cleaning task.

Such methods of neat application comprise the step of contacting theliquid hand dishwashing detergent composition in its neat form, with thedish. The composition may be poured directly onto the dish from itscontainer. Alternatively, the composition may be applied first to acleaning device or implement such as a brush, a sponge, a nonwovenmaterial, or a woven material. The cleaning device or implement, andconsequently the liquid dishwashing composition in its neat form, isthen directly contacted to the surface of each of the soiled dishes, toremove said soiling. The cleaning device or implement is typicallycontacted with each dish surface for a period of time range from 1 to 10seconds, although the actual time of application will depend uponfactors such as the degree of soiling of the dish. The contacting ofsaid cleaning device or implement to the dish surface is preferablyaccompanied by concurrent scrubbing Subsequently, the dishware can berinsed, either by submersing in clean water or under running water.

Test Methods

Viscosity:

The viscosity is measured at 20° C. with a Brookfield RT Viscometerusing spindle 31 with the RPM of the viscometer adjusted to achieve atorque of 50%+1-10% a Discovery HR-1 Hybrid Rheometer using a flow sweepof shear rate from 1 to 1000s⁻¹. The maximum shear rate of the Newtonianrheology plateau within the viscosity upon shear rate graph has beendefined by the shear rate at which the maximum shear stress is reached.

Examples

The effect of branching distribution within the starting alcohol usedfor the alkyl chain of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant on theNewtonian plateau range for the liquid hand dishwashing detergentcomposition was evaluated using the test method described herein.

Non-alkoxylated C12-C13 alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants based on thestarting alcohols summarized in tables 1 and 2 were used in thecomparative test. As can be seen from Table 1, alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant A was 67% linear and 33% branched. Alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactant B had a similar level of branching (70% linear and 30%branched). In contrast, the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant C wasessentially linear (95% linear, 5% branched). The resultant branchingdistribution is given in table 2, with alkyl sulfate anionic surfactantA being of use in compositions of the p[resent invention. In contrast,alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant B had a weight fraction ofnon-C2-branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant which was higher thanthat required by the present invention. Alkyl sulfate anionic surfactantC had a degree of branching which was below that required by the presentinvention

TABLE 1 Alcohol blend used to make the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants(wt %) Alkyl Natural sulfate mid cut av. anionic Safol Lial Neodolalcohol chain % % surfactant 23 123 3 (C12-14) length linear branched A0 50 30 20 12.7 67.1 32.9 B 50 0 30 20 12.7 69.6 30.4 C 0 0 30 70 12.994.6 5.4

TABLE 2 Branching distribution (wt %) of the alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactants (based on the alcohol blend used to make the surfactant)Alkyl total sulfate non- anionic C2 C2+ cyclic multi- C2 surfactantbranched branched isomer branched branched A 32.9 0 0 0 0 B 7.9 17.5 2.52.5 22.5 C 5.4 0 0 0 0

As such, detergent example 1 of Table 3, comprising alkyl sulfateanionic surfactant A was an example according to the invention, whiledetergent examples A and B were comparative, comprising alkyl sulfateanionic surfactant B and C respectively.

TABLE 3 Liquid hand dishwashing detergent composition Compo- Compo-Compo- Level sition sition sition (as 100% active) Ex 1 Ex A Ex B C12-13alkyl sulfate anionic 20.93 — — surfactant A C12-13 alkyl sulfateanionic — 20.93 — surfactant B C12-13 alkyl sulfate anionic — — 20.93surfactant C C12-14 dimethyl amine oxide 6.98 6.98 6.98 C9-11 EO8nonionic surfactant¹ 2.0 2.0 2.0 Alkoxylated polyethyleneimine 0.4 0.40.4 (PEI600EO24PO16)² EOPOEO triblock copolymer³ 0.8 0.8 0.8Methylcyclohexane-1,3-diamine⁴ 0.2 0.2 0.2 Polypropylene glycol(MW2000)⁵ 0.5 1.3 1.4 Ethanol 2.0 2.0 2.0 NaCl 0.5 0.5 0.5 Water andminors (perfume, dye, Balance Balance Balance preservative) to 100% to100% to 100% pH (as 10% soln in demin. 9.0 9.0 9.0 water - via NaOHtrimming) ¹Neodol 91/8, supplied by Shell ²supplied by BASF ³TergitolL64, supplied by DOW ⁴Baxxodur EC210, supplied by BASF ⁵level adjustedto achieve viscosity of 1000 cps target at 20° C.

The data in Table 4 summarize the shear rate at which the Newtonianrheology profile ends (the higher the better) for all threecompositions. From the data it can be seen that compositions of theinvention comprising alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants having therequired branching distribution results in a Newtonian rheology profileto higher shear rates, in comparison to alkyl sulfate anionicsurfactants having a branching distribution outside the scope of theinvention or a degree of branching below that required by the presentscope.

TABLE 4 Maximum shear rate for the Newtonian rheology plateau PrototypeMaximum shear rate (s⁻¹) Inventive Ex 1 632 (ref) Comparative Ex A 509(−19%) Comparative Ex B 530 (−16%)

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition comprising from about 5% to about 50% by weight of the total composition of a surfactant system, wherein the surfactant system comprises an anionic surfactant and a co-surfactant, wherein the surfactant system comprises at least about 40% by weight of the surfactant system of anionic surfactant, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises at least about 50% by weight of the anionic surfactant of alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant such that the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has an average degree of branching of more than about 10%, wherein: a) the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises: a. at least about 90% by weight of the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of C2-branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant and b. at most about 10% by weight of the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of non-C2-branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant; b) the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has an alkyl chain comprising an average of from 8 to 18 carbon atoms; and c) the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has an average degree of alkoxylation of less than about 0.5, wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises from about 60% to about 85% by weight of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of OXO-derived alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant, wherein OXO alcohols are alcohols that are prepared by adding carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen to an olefin to obtain an aldehyde using the hydroformylation reaction and then hydrogenating the aldehyde to obtain the alcohol; wherein the co-surfactant is selected from the group consisting of an amphoteric surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and mixtures thereof, and the weight ratio of the anionic surfactant to the co-surfactant is from about 2.0:1 to about 5.0:1.
 2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid hand dishwashing cleaning composition comprises from about 8% to about 45% by weight of the total composition of the surfactant system.
 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant system comprises from about 60% to about 90% by weight of the surfactant system of the anionic surfactant.
 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has an average degree of alkoxylation of less than about 0.25.
 5. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant is free of alkoxylation.
 6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant has an alkyl chain comprising an average of from 10 to 14 carbon atoms.
 7. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises: a. at least about 95% by weight of the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of C2-branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant and b. at most about 5.0% by weight of the branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of non-C2-branched alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant;
 8. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant comprises from about 75% to about 85% by weight of the alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant of OXO-derived alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.
 9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the anionic surfactant comprises at least about 70% by weight of the anionic surfactant of alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant.
 10. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the anionic surfactant consists of alkyl sulfate surfactant.
 11. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of anionic surfactant to the co-surfactant is from about 2.5:1 to about 4:1.
 12. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the co-surfactant is an amphoteric surfactant.
 13. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the co-surfactant is an amine oxide surfactant
 14. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant system comprises a nonionic surfactant, selected from the group consisting of: alkoxylated alkyl alcohol, alkyl polyglucoside, and mixtures thereof.
 15. The composition according to claim 14, wherein wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from alkoxylated alkyl alcohols.
 16. The composition according to claim 14, wherein wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from ethoxylated alcohols.
 17. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a solvent, selected from the group consisting of: glycol ether solvents, alcohol solvents, ester solvents, and mixtures thereof.
 18. The composition according to claim 17, wherein the solvent comprises a mixture of ethanol and at least one polyalkyleneglycol.
 19. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition has a viscosity of from about 50 mPa·s to about 5,000 mPa·s. The viscosity is measured at about 20° C. with a Brookfield RT Viscometer using spindle 31 with the RPM of the viscometer adjusted to achieve a torque of between about 40% and about 60%. 